Futurism or Modernism?
Futurism and Modernism are both architectural styles that are interrelated since Futurism was a by-product of the Modern ideals which the architects and designers wanted to consciously shift away from. However, it is important to also comprehend the fact that every architectural style movement seemed to overlap with each other regarding time. The Modernists and Futurists seem to be progressing simultaneously with regards to their ideologies and their physical implementations. Despite this overlap of architectural theory and practice, one cannot say that one style dominated the other in terms of its progress in the 21st century. Rather, as we will discuss further, these architectural styles emanated alongside each other to create a rich diaspora of built form in the 21st century that caters to multiple thought processes and socio-cultural needs of the society globally.
Foraging Through the Concepts of Modernism
Modernism with its straight lines and crisp geometry brings out a mindset that seeks order in perhaps a chaotic era. It appears that this architectural style is more dominant in the field of residential architecture where private clients are happy with minimalist retreats as their homes. Even in public buildings, this style seems to have been more progressive in the mid-20th century where skyscrapers seemed to emerge as the forefront of modern architecture, especially in America.
Futurism in the 21st Century- How far-reaching Are Its Effects?
Architects such as Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava, Buckminster Fuller and Rem Koolhas have set the tone for making Futurism an integral part of the 21st century. Through their daring work that speaks of dynamic architecture representing a clear-cut deviation from the concept of functionality which the Modernists celebrate, Futuristic buildings have an aesthetic appeal that attracts the viewers’ eye and makes them ponder over the purpose of their existence.
The works of these architects have given the functional aspect of their buildings a secondary preference. The form of the building is the primary concern. The buildings as such substantiate the neo-futurist agenda of the belief that ‘Less is Bore’.
Carrying forward the conceptual utopian visions of Antonio Sant’Elia, Futurism as a progressive style in the 21st century is imminent through buildings with dynamic visual vocabulary. The megastructures that can be seen today with technological innovations that are reflective of the advanced age that we are in give the Futurist movement a far more progressive push in the 21st century than perhaps Modernist philosophy.
Futurists in the 21st Century- How does their work stand out as progressive?
From Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome with its simple yet complex form juxtaposed to create a spherical dome that was the first of its kind. Zaha Hadid’s Avant-Garde approach towards her buildings such as the Haydar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan is another instance that set the tone for parametric architecture internationally where monumental forms were now being visualized in unorthodox ways.
Santiago Calatrava’s unconventional design aesthetic when it comes to public spaces such as bridges is another example of how futurist architecture has changed the ideology behind typical public spaces in the 21st century. The idea of a bridge as just a means of connection has been changed drastically through its dynamic appearance for the masses.
References
Iwan, B. HAC. [Photograph].
BridgeInfo, (2012). Allamello Bridge. [Photograph]
Carlo, S. (2019). Prayer Hall at Bait ur Rauf Mosque, Dhaka, Bangladesh. [Photograph]
Miletic, B. (2020). Walt Disney Concert Hall. [Photograph]
Rose, G. (2016). Biosphere Environment Museum. [Photograph]
Wainwright, O. (2019). The best architecture of the 21st century. [Illustration]
